Phillies Comings & Goings - Mid-Season Update

2017 Chachi Almost #8

2017 Chachi Almost #9

2017 Chachi Almost #10

2017 Chachi Almost #11

With the symbolic half-way point of the season approaching, I wanted to take the opportunity to refresh the Phillies comings and goings listing and clear out some of the custom cards from my draft folder.

The four Chachi Almost cards at the top of the post are for players who won't be suiting up for the Phillies in 2017.  Jesmuel Valentin had his season cut short with surgery to repair his separated shoulder.  Pitchers Dalier Hinojosa and Mario Hollands were released from their minor league contracts while Taylor Featherston was traded to the Rays.  I also wanted to pay a final Phillies Room tribute to Joely Rodriguez who was the first (of many?) casualties from the 2017 Phillies bullpen as the lefty was designated for assignment and ultimately traded to the Rangers.

2017 Phillies Team Issue #63

Dalier Hinojosa Complete Chachi Checklist
2015 Chachi #55
2016 Chachi Preview #4
2016 Chachi #25
2017 Chachi Almost #8

Mario Hollands Complete Chachi Checklist
2014 Chachi #19
2015 Chachi Almost #4
2016 Chachi Almost #18
2017 Chachi Almost #9

Taylor Featherston Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi New Additions #13
2016 Chachi #50
2017 Chachi Almost #11

Joely Rodriguez Complete Chachi Checklist
2015 Chachi New Additions #2
2016 Chachi #62
2017 Chachi #20
2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #5 (with Zach Eflin)

2017 Chachi Departures #6

2017 Chachi Departures #20

Joining the Departures insert set are Frank Herrmann and Cedric Hunter.  Herrmann, who pitched briefly for the Phillies last season is now in Japan while Hunter signed with the Reds.  Hunter, last year's opening day left fielder, was suspended in November for testing positive for amphetamine.

Frank Herrmann Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #57
2017 Chachi Departures #6

Cedric Hunter Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #6
2017 Chachi Departures #20

Finally, I'll have an upcoming post dedicated to Ryan Howard who briefly signed with the Braves organization before being released in early May.

Moving On - 2016-2017 Offseason

• Cedric Hunter - of (10/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Cincinnati Reds, 4/4/17.
• James Russell - lhp (10/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Cleveland Indians, 2/13/17.
• Emmanuel Burriss - inf (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Washington Nationals, 12/13/16.
• Frank Herrmann - rhp (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Rakuten Golden Eagles (Japan).
• Jimmy Paredes - of (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan), 1/15/17.
• Patrick Schuster - lhp (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 11/5/16.
• Ryan Howard - 1b (11/3/16) - Team option declined, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Atlanta Braves, 4/6/17.
• Charlie Morton - rhp (11/3/16) - Team option declined, elected free agency and signed with the Houston Astros, 11/16/16.
• Peter Bourjos - of (11/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Chicago White Sox, 1/27/17.
• A.J. Ellis - c (11/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed with the Miami Marlins, 12/12/16.
• David Hernandez - rhp (11/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the San Francisco Giants, 2/14/17.
• Darin Ruf - 1b-of and Darnell Sweeney - inf-of (11/11/16) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Howie Kendrick.
• Elvis Araujo - rhp (11/18/16) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.
• David Buchanan - rhp (11/23/16) - Released and signed with the Yakult Swallows (Japan), 12/20/16.
• Cody Asche - of (12/2/16) - Designated for assignment, non-tendered and signed as a minor league free agent with the Chicago White Sox, 1/6/17.
• Phil Klein - rhp (12/14/16) - Released and signed with the Yokohama BayStars (Japan), 12/20/16.
• Severino Gonzalez - rhp (1/19/17) - Designated for assignment and traded to the Miami Marlins for a player to be named later or cash considerations, 1/24/17.
• Alec Asher - rhp (3/28/17) - Traded to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

New Additions - 2016-2017 Offseason

• Pat Neshek - rhp (11/4/16) - Acquired from the Houston Astros for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
• Howie Kendrick - lf (11/11/16) - Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney.
• Joaquin Benoit - rhp (12/6/16) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Daniel Nava - of (12/12/16) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Kansas City Royals.
• Clay Buchholz - rhp (12/20/16) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for Josh Tobias.
• Michael Saunders - of (1/19/17) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Departed During the 2017 Season

• Tyler Goeddel - of (4/5/17) - Claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.
• Dalier Hinojosa - rhp (5/16/17) - Released.
• Mario Hollands - lhp (5/23/17) - Released.
• Taylor Featherston - inf (6/9/17) - Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash.
• Joely Rodriguez - lhp (6/13/17) - Traded to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later or cash.
• Jeanmar Gomez - rhp (6/20/17) - Designated for assignment.
• Michael Saunders - of (6/20/17) - Designated for assignment.

Arrived During the 2017 Season

• Ty Kelly - inf (4/22/17) - Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for cash.
• Casey Fien - rhp (5/9/17) - Purchased from the Seattle Mariners.

16 Who Were Almost Phillies

2016 Chachi Almost #10

2016 Chachi Almost #11

2016 Chachi Almost #12

2016 Chachi Almost #13

Beginning in Spring Training, whenever I come across a cool photo of a newer player or coach in a Phillies uniform, I set it aside and eventually create a Chachi card.  I also make it a point to create Chachi cards for anyone added to the team's 40-man roster, or anyone who played for the Phillies in a prior season who is still with the organization.  This way, when an Alec Asher or a Roman Quinn gets the call to the big leagues, their Chachi card is ready to go.  The Phillies Room and the Chachi card creation process runs like a well-oiled machine, the envy of custom card creators throughout the land.*

These are the 16 remaining cards I created this year for players (and one coach) who didn't suit up for the Phillies in 2016.

Will Venable (of) - The final outfield spot on the opening day roster came down to Venable or Cedric Hunter, with Hunter getting the nod.  Venable requested and was granted his release in June to allow him to sign with the Dodgers.  In 12 games with the Dodgers, he went 1 for 18 (.056).

Angelys Nina (inf) - Nina was released by the IronPigs on the same day Venable was let go.

Reinier Roibal (rhp) - Roibal appeared in 19 games for the IronPigs and Fightin Phils, and was released by the Double-A team in late June.

Edward Mujica (rhp) - The former big league All-Star was an All-Star for the IronPigs before requesting and being granted his release in mid-July.  He spent the rest of the season with the Royals and Twins organizations.

2016 Chachi Almost #14

2016 Chachi Almost #15

2016 Chachi Almost #16

2016 Chachi Almost #17

Mark Appel (rhp) - The top prospect's season ended in late June when he had elbow surgery.

David Buchanan (rhp) - After starting 15 games for the club last season, Buchanan didn't make it back up to the majors in 2016.  In 26 starts for the IronPigs, he went 10-9 with a 3.98 ERA.

Jimmy Cordero (rhp) - A member of the 40-man roster, Cordero lost most of the season to a shoulder injury.

Matt Harrison (lhp) - Get used to seeing this card again in the style of the 2017 Chachi set. Harrison will most likely never pitch for the Phillies due to ongoing back issues, but he has a guaranteed contract and a spot on the team's 40-man roster.

2016 Chachi Almost #18

2016 Chachi Almost #19

2016 Chachi Almost #20

2016 Chachi Almost #21

Mario Hollands (lhp) - Hollands last pitched for the Phillies in 2014 and he's spent the last two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Gregory Infante (rhp) - A non-roster invitee, Infante spent the bulk of the season in Double-A.  He last pitched in the majors with the White Sox in 2010.

Gabriel Lino (c) - A back-up catcher, Lino split time in 2016 between Clearwater and Reading.

John Mizerock (coach) - The team's assistant hitting coach in 2014 and third base coach in 2015, Mizerock was a coach for the Rooke-A Williamsport Crosscutters in 2016.

2016 Chachi Almost #22

2016 Chachi Almost #23

2016 Chachi Almost #24

2016 Chachi Almost #25

Logan Moore (c) - Another back-up catcher, Moore played for both Lehigh Valley and Reading this season.

Brock Stassi (1b) - Stassi appeared in 117 games for the IronPigs in 2016, hitting .267 with 12 home runs and 58 RBIs.

Darnell Sweeney (inf/of) - Like Buchanan, Sweeney seemed to be poised to be a major part of the team's plans in 2016 but like Buchanan he never got the call to the big club in 2016.  In 118 games with the IronPigs, the versatile Sweeney hit just .233.

Nick Williams (of) - Williams hopes to be a part of the team's starting outfield in 2017.  In 125 games with the IronPigs, he hit .258 with 13 home runs and 64 RBIs.

*Maybe.  But probably not.

The Spring Training 58 + 2: Where They Went

2015 Chachi Almost #4

2015 Chachi Almost #5

The off day today gives me a chance to look back on the Phillies spring training roster and summarize where everyone ended up when camp broke at the end of March.  The Phillies started the spring with 58 players, adding two more (Mike Nesseth and Seth Rosin) at the beginning of March.  Dustin McGowan spent the spring in the Dodgers' camp but was signed by the Phillies and added to the opening day roster after his release.

If you're keeping score at home, the final spring training roster math was 58 + 2 - 36 + 1 = 25.  Here's where the 36 players not on the opening day roster ended up.

Disabled List (5) - Chad Billingsley, Domonic Brown, Mario Hollands, Cliff Lee, Jonathan Pettibone

Hollands is lost for the season following his Tommy John surgery while Billingsley and Brown are expected to join the Phillies soon.

Outrighted and Elected Free Agency (1) - Andy Oliver

Oliver cleared waivers and could have reported to Lehigh Valley, but he opted for free agency and signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays instead.

Released (2) - Xavier Paul, Kevin Slowey

AAA - Lehigh Valley IronPigs (21) - Phillippe Aumont, Brian Bogusevic, Russ Canzler, Paul Clemens, Chase d'Arnaud, Jordan Danks, Maikel Franco, Rene Garcia, Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez (DL), John Hester (DL), Tommy Joseph, Ethan Martin (DL), Darin Mastroianni, Chris McGuiness, Adam Morgan, Chris Nelson, Hector Neris, Sean O'Sullivan, Cord Phelps, Joely Rodriguez, Seth Rosin

AA - Reading Fightin Phils (6) - Aaron Altherr, Elvis Araujo, Jesse Biddle, Kelly Dugan (DL), Mike Nesseth, Nefi Ogando

Temporarily Inactive/Clearwater Threshers coach (1) - Koyie Hill

Hill is listed as "Temporarily Inactive" on the official Reading Fightin Phils roster, but various reports (including this one) had him being introduced as a coach for the Clearwater Threshers.

Memory Lane

2012:  The Spring Training 57 (+1): Where They Went
2013:  The Spring Training 62: Where They Went
2014:  The Spring Training 58 (+2): Where They Went

2010 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #6 Mario Hollands

Phillies 7, Marlins 4
Game 76 - Tuesday Night, June 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 35-41, 5th Place, 6 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Marlon Byrd and Cody Asche paced the offense and the bullpen continued to shine, as the Phillies downed the Marlins, 7-4.

What It Means:  This win put an end to the depressing three-game losing streak.

What Happened:  Byrd hit a two-run home run in the first and Asche added a two-run double in the sixth.  David Buchanan got the win after allowing two runs over five innings of work and then turning the game over to the surprisingly strong bullpen.

Featured Card:  The bullpen has been extremely impressive since a few early season beatings, and it's been fun watching the development of young relievers Jake Diekman, Justin De Fratus, Mario Hollands and Kenny Giles.  This card is for my wife, Jenna, who asked the very timely question during this game, "Who is Mario Hollands?"

Hollands has not allowed a run in 15 2/3 innings over 17 appearances dating back to May 17th.  He was drafted by the Phillies back in 2010 and he impressed enough during the spring to earn a spot on the team's opening day roster.  He's still waiting on his first official Phillies card, but this is his first Phillies-related card from his days as a Williamsport Crosscutter.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, Tony Gwynn, Jr. was activated from the bereavement list and catcher Wil Nieves was placed on the disabled list.  The Phillies also announced they had signed outfielder Grady Sizemore to a minor league contract.

2014 Phillies Team Issue #30 Justin De Fratus

Mets 4, Phillies 3 (11 Innings)
Game 54 - Sunday Afternoon, June 1st in Philadelphia
Record - 24-30, 5th Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Mets played their third straight extra-inning game, and the Mets won after the newly recalled Phillippe Aumont allowed a two-run home run to Lucas Duda in the 11th.

What It Means:  The Phillies are a season worst six games under .500 and they have a secure hold on last place in the N.L. East.

What Happened:  Ryan Howard (two-run home run in the fourth) and Marlon Byrd (solo home run in the 11th) provided the offense, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Mets.  The Phillies best chance to add some runs came in the seventh when Cesar Hernandez led off with a bunt single and was advanced to second on a Reid Brignac sacrifice bunt.  Domonic Brown singled next, but was thrown out between first and second in a bone-headed baserunning move.

Cole Hamels once again pitched nicely, allowing just two runs (one earned) in his seven innings of work.  Aumont recorded two quick outs in the 11th, but walked Travis d'Arnaud (hitting .193) setting up Duda's two-run blast.

2011 Multi-Ad
Lakewood Blueclaws #14

Featured Cards:  I'm trying to be positive here folks, but things aren't going well.  I guess the one bright spot so far through the first four games with the Mets has been the work of the bullpen.  By my unofficial tally, here's what each reliever has done over the last four games in descending order of impressiveness:

Jeff Manship - 4 innings, 0 earned runs

Justin De Fratus - 3 1/3 innings, 0 earned runs

Mario Hollands - 3 1/3 innings, 0 earned runs
Jonathan Papelbon - 3 innings, 0 earned runs
Jake Diekman - 1 2/3 innings, 0 earned runs
Mike Adams - 1 1/3 innings, 0 earned runs
Cesar Jimenez - 1 inning, 0 earned runs
Antonio Bastardo - 2 1/3 innings, 1 earned run
Phillippe Aumont - 1 inning, 2 earned runs

Transactions:  Prior to the game, the Phillies summoned Jimenez and Aumont from the IronPigs.  Manship was placed on the disabled list with a strained right quad and Darin Ruf was sent back down.  Jimenez takes Jeremy Horst's spot on the 40-man roster as Horst was designated for assignment.

2014 Chachi #19 Mario Hollands

#43

Mario Eduardo Lemus Hollands

Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'5"  Weight:  220

Born:  August 26, 1988, Oakland, CA

Home:  El Cerrito, CA

Drafted:  Selected by the Phillies in the 10th round of the June 2010 draft

Teams:  Phillies 2014

Acquired:  Via draft

Phillies Cards in My Collection:  

There are no official Phillies cards for Hollands as of yet, although I do have four of his minor league cards in my collection.

First Chachi Card:  2014 Chachi #19

Ready or Not, the 25-Man Roster is Set

2014 Chachi Transactions #21

Pirates 3, Phillies 0
Spring Training Game 30 - Friday Night, March 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 9-18-3

One Sentence Summary:  The exhibition season mercifully drew to a close as the Phillies were shut-out by the Pirates, 3-0, in front of a sparse crowd in Philadelphia.

What Happened:  Chase Utley has three hits for the Phillies, accounting for all the team's offense.  Kyle Kendrick pitched five shutout innings in his final tune-up of the spring.

Featured Card/Camp Head Count:  Stay with me here . . . 35 - 11 + 1 = 25.  We'll get there in a little bit.

Some sort of vicious and evil stomach bug along with a current work schedule that could only be described as pure bananas have both conspired to keep me away from any Phillies happenings since Thursday night.  When I could raise my head again and check to see if the roster had been finalized yet for opening day, I was baffled to say the least.  After I've sorted it all out, I updated the sidebar on the left to list the 25 players who will head to Arlington for this year's opener against the Rangers.

Jayson Nix, not to be confused with his brother and former Phillie Laynce Nix, was this year's Ezequiel Carrera, acquired out of nowhere for cash considerations or a player to be named later to fill the last bench spot.  He's the +1 in the equation above.

2012 Grandstand Reading Phillies #10

As for the rest of the departures, 6 players will start the season on the disabled list - Darin Ruf, Freddy Galvis, Mike Adams, Cole Hamels, Miguel Gonzalez and Ethan Martin.  Struggling reliever Phillippe Aumont was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to work on his control.  Finally, non-roster invitees Reid Brignac, Shawn Camp, Koyie Hill and David Buchanan were all reassigned to the minors.

So there you have it, the 25-man roster is ready and so are the first 25 cards of this year's Chachi set, which should debut soon.  Surprise roster addition Mario Hollands will be making his virtual Phillies card debut, as will Jeff Manship.

Finally, we had tickets to the Friday night On-Deck series game with the Pirates, but the aforementioned vicious and evil stomach bug kept me from going.  I'll have to check my favorite blog sources to see if (a) the team went with giant sized cards using something other than the 2011 Topps design for the line-up posted in Ashburn Alley and (b) if the team issued postcard set is available yet.

Play ball!

Biddle, Franco, 3 Others Going to Clearwater

2013 Bowman Draft Top Prospects #TP-6, 2013 Topps Heritage Minor Leagues #158,
2013 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #21 and 2012 Multi-Ad Lakewood Blueclaws #11

Last week, the Phillies most likely completed handing out their invitations to Spring Training by asking five more prospects to join camp.  The big names on the list are left-handed pitcher Jesse Biddle and third baseman Maikel Franco, who have been ranked as the top two prospects in the organization.  Biddle is expected to open the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but Franco could actually compete with Cody Asche for the starting third baseman's job.  With High-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading, Franco hit .320 with 31 home runs in 103 RBIs in just 134 games.

I don't know much about right-handed pitcher Ken Giles or left-handed pitcher Mario Hollands other than that they both had decent years for Clearwater.  Oddly enough, Giles completely missed out on any 2013 Phillies minor league cards as a result of the significant time he missed due to injury.

Catcher Sebastain Valle was dropped from the 40-man roster in mid-December to make room for free agent pitcher Roberto Hernandez.  Once considered the top catching prospect in the organization, he's probably now sixth on the team's depth chart behind Carlos Ruiz, Wil Nieves, Tommy Joseph, Cameron Rupp and Lou Marson.

Player (position) - 2013 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance

1.  Shawn Camp (rhp) - Cubs/Diamondbacks - 2012 Topps Update #US238 (Cubs)

2.  Leandro Castro (of) - Phillies - 2010 Topps Pro Debut #84 (Phillies)

3.  Cesar Jimenez (lhp) - Phillies - 2009 Upper Deck #857 (Mariners)

4.  Clete Thomas (of) - Twins - 2010 Topps #441 (Tigers)

5.  Reid Brignac (inf) - Yankees/Rockies - 2013 Topps Update #US206

6.  Andres Blanco (inf) - N/A - 2007 Topps #659 (Royals)

7.  Jeff Manship (rhp) - Rockies - 2010 Finest #141 (Twins)

8.  Tony Gwynn, Jr. (of) - Dodgers - 2012 Topps #284 (Dodgers)

9.  Lou Marson (c) - Indians - 2013 Topps #443 (Indians)

10.  Sean O'Sullivan (rhp) - Padres - 2011 Topps Update #US89 (Royals)

11.  Dave Sappelt (of) - Cubs - 2012 Topps #657 (Cubs)
12.  Jesse Biddle (lhp) - Phillies - 2013 Bowman Draft Top Prospects #TP-6 (Phillies)
13.  Maikel Franco (3b) - Phillies - 2013 Topps Heritage Minors #158 (Phillies)
14.  Ken Giles (rhp) - Phillies - None
15.  Mario Hollands (lhp) - Phillies - None
16.  Sebastian Valle (c) - Phillies - 2012 Topps Heritage Minors #144 (Phillies)

Memory Lane

2013 Non-Roster Invitees